Affiliative Relationships in Dogs: A Shift from Dominance

Animal behavior, particularly in domestic dogs, has long been an area of interest for both scientists and dog owners alike. Historically, the interpretation of dog behavior was heavily influenced by the concept of dominance hierarchies, where interactions between individuals were often explained through the lens of “dominance” and “submission”. However, modern understanding of dog behavior … Read more

English Shepherds and Haplotype-based Phylogenetic Classification

Haplotype-based Phylogenetic Classification is an approach to studying the evolutionary relationships among organisms by analyzing the genetic variation in their haplotypes. Haplotypes are sets of closely linked genetic markers, typically single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), found on a single chromosome. They are inherited together and can provide valuable information about an organism’s ancestry, population structure, … Read more

Coevolution of Canis familiaris and Homo sapiens

The coevolution of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and humans (Homo sapiens) has spanned tens of thousands of years, with both species benefiting significantly from the relationship. This article explores the timeline of dog domestication, the various roles dogs have played in human societies, and the advantages this partnership has offered to both species. The … Read more

How Cognitive Biases Shape Our Perceptions of Dog Breeds

Black and Tan English Shepherd

Our understanding of the world is often shaped by the mental shortcuts or biases that we unconsciously use to process information. These cognitive biases help us navigate complex situations, but they can also lead to inaccurate beliefs or judgments. In the context of dog breeds, three common cognitive biases—the availability heuristic, anchoring, and confirmation … Read more